Stepping stones...

I've recently written about the horrific incidents which took place in Mumbai. After more than 60hours it is finally at an end. Now, we have the aftermaths of this incident to deal with. I believe the investigation will be fast and accurate this time, especially with the help of American and Israeli intelligence services. The Pakistan link for better or worse can be confirmed or denied on a world stage.

But my main point here is not that. My interest is in the reactions of the people and the government. What are the possibilities in front of us now. Already, the local citizens of Mumbai have complained against the gross negligence of the security forces. They want the police and the armed forces to do whatever is in their powers to stop future attacks. But what is/will be evident is that their current level of authority and power is not enough to prevent future attacks. This will in turn lead to more Acts like POTA(Prevention Of Terrorism Acts,2002). Case in point, the anti-constitutional Patriot Acts passed in the US in the aftermath of 9/11. This act gave the US authorities virtually infinite power to investigate anybody (including access to their all forms of communications), take them under custody without a warrant and interrogate them under inhumane conditions.

Quote from Wikipedia.org:
"The Patriot Act increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, e-mail communications, medical, financial and other records; eases restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the United States ... and enhances the discretion of law enforcement and immigration authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts. The act also expands the definition of terrorism to include domestic terrorism, thus enlarging the number of activities to which the USA PATRIOT Act’s expanded law enforcement powers can be applied."

Now in an ideal world, such laws are ideal and when applied effectively, they can go a long way in preventing another Mumbai Massacre 08'. The authority granted by these laws can enable the police/intelligence agencies in taking fast action against suspicious individuals. Why can't we sacrifice some of our privacy for the benefit of our safety? I mean, you need safety first and foremost to enjoy your freedom, right? That is one compelling argument for such laws.

But the problem is that this is not an ideal world. Its filled with rampant corruption and greed. Especially India. There are many ways these laws can be abused. For example: The law gives authority to investigate all forms of communication of a suspected individual. This can easily used be person in power to blackmail their opponents/competitors. Again, suspected individuals can be detained for long periods for interrogation without warrant being tried in a court of law. While theoretically this can be used to glean information about terrorist activities from terrorists, it has a higher chance of being misused to intimidate people who dare to stand up against illegal activities. There are a million ways these laws can violate human rights.

From the Documentary: The road to Guantanamo depicting the transport of prisoners

In short, these laws are a stepping stone to a police state - one of my greatest fears. But that's a story for another day. So, am I saying that we have to continue as is and hope the terrorists behave? No. These laws are required but I believe that lots of safety nets have to be built-in to prevent misuse. That seems to be the only way. Its an evil necessity.

EDIT: Here's an awesome blog on this topic-Informed Comments.

Some excerpts:

"India's leadership must not allow a handful of terrorists to push the country into another Emergency. It is not always possible for lapsed democracies to recover their liberties once they are undermined."

"They(bush & Co.) dropped a thousand-page "p.a.t.r.i.o.t. act" on Congress one night and insisted they vote on it the next day. They created outlaw spaces like Guantanamo and engaged in torture (or encouraged allies to torture for them). They railroaded innocent people. They deeply damaged American democracy."